Meet The Ref - Bolton v Latics - Phil Dowd

The Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic local derby at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday will be refereed by our old friend Phil Dowd

47 year old Dowd has been at the centre of quite a bit of controversy when officiating in Latics matches in the past, most notably when Paul Jewell was in charge at the DW Stadium, turning down numerous penalty appeals, allowing goals even though there were blatant fouls and not allowing players back on to the field of play following treatment for injury resulting in goals being conceded, yep Mr Dowd and Mr Jewell still aren`t on speaking terms apparently.

I do feel that Dowd has improved quite a lot these past few seasons and though he likes the limelight he is a colourful character, the Staffordshire official has taken charge of just the one Latics game this season, the away win at Spurs, so here`s hoping that is a good omen.

An interesting fact - Phil Dowd is an ex pit man and that`s how he got into refereeing, whilst on strike during 1984 Miner`s Dispute he decided to learn the Laws of the Game. He enrolled on a course and after passing his referee exam started to do youth games in the local leagues, Maggie Thatcher really does have a lot to answer for!

Phil Dowds Card Watch 2010/11

Games - 18, yellows - 64, reds - 6

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